Saturday, February 21, 2015

Domestic violence and becoming a widow: Two heartrending
topics the author tackles in her novel. Logan tells the story with believable
characters, Terry, who lives through the hell of a battered wife and mother,
and Anne, who’s alone after losing her husband. Two women from different
backgrounds form a lasting friendship during these tumultuous times. This bond
helps comfort both in time of need.

While Terry and Anne attempt to deal with adversity, readers
accompany both on their emotional journey. Each deals with current
circumstances as best they can, learning daily how to cope and help one another.

Shelter Me is a book that can offer help for women suffering
a life similar to Terry and Anne, or as an eye-opener for others into a world
of abuse and loneliness. Either way, Judy Logan provides hope in difficult situations
with responsible writing.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Being with Becky is a memorial to the author’s sister,
Rebecca Binkowski. Murdered by David Stappenbeck, a mentally unstable man that
Becky knew well, made this particular story heartrending.

Becky worked as a social worker, and the man who brutally
attacked her was the product of a poor mental health system. Had Becky been
aware of his sordid past mental history, she would not have given him a ride on
that ill-fated day in February 1993.

Being with Becky described the Binkowski family’s closeness
throughout the years. Lisa and Becky were thirteen years apart, yet shared a
special bond in their large Catholic family. She wanted readers to appreciate
Becky for her remarkable qualities. This book conveys that message with elegance.

Highlighting a flawed mental health system in hope of change
is a promise from the author, Becky’s sister, Lisa Binkowski. I wish the best
in her effort to avert Becky’s death be in vain.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

A relative of Harry’s said, “The world has changed a lot
since you were a boy.” Harry didn’t want to disagree, but thought the problem
is that it hasn’t changed enough. He feels it is easy today, to ignore or
misunderstand the lessons the past can teach us about today’s world.

Harry Leslie Smith is a ninety year old RAF WWII veteran,
who lived through hell and wants to leave this earth sharing his ideas for a
better world. Besides taking readers through his life’s journey, he talks about
politics, business, health care, citizenship, and education of his home country
of England; however, he includes the United States.

Harry’s three main
points on education: “Performance based education will only encourage the flight
of the best human capital to private institutions.”

“We have to make ensure that our education system is more
than just a factory to turn out obedient workers.”

“We need a national service that obliges all young people
during their gap year to travel the country and learn about their neighboring
regions.”

His points on business: “If no one felt they were better
than anyone else, and each person understood their efforts built a better
company and a better life for themselves, then this would create an almost
perfect system of work. Small businesses that may not be able to afford to
implement the living wage should opt to make written contracts with their
employees that allow for fair profit sharing.”

On health care: “Humanity cannot evolve when its rulers are
only interested in the profit and loss of their most affluent constituents and
ignore the rest of their citizens.”

On politics: “Defeat
social inequality by establishing a social welfare state.”

On citizenship: “Being engaged and part of a vibrant
democracy is one way to ensure that you matter, regardless of where you stand
on society’s ladder.” In other words, vote. In addition, Harry thinks the
voting age should be seventeen years of age.

There are more stories and opinions Harry Smith leaves his
readers. To understand all his points of view, read Harry’s Last Stand. He ends the book saying, “So, before we are no
more, we should aspire to do something that makes us a better human being.”

Thank you, Harry, for this book of wisdom and considerations
for a better world.